In a ceremonial parade held at the Naval Base in Kochi on December 31, 2023, Vice Admiral V Srinivas took charge as the 30th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC) of the Southern Naval Command (SNC). This significant event marked the succession from Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, who retired after an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades in the Indian Navy.
The solemn occasion witnessed an impressive ceremony where both Vice Admirals laid floral wreaths at the Venduruthy War Memorial, paying homage to the brave personnel who made supreme sacrifices in service to the nation.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. He boasts a distinguished career, specializing in Anti-submarine warfare, and has served aboard frontline submarines including INSShalki, INSShishumar, and INSShankul during Operation Vijay. Throughout his 36-year tenure, he commanded INS Shankul twice, the destroyer INS Ranvir, and the nuclear submarine INS Chakra, holding the distinction of being one of the only two officers in the Indian Navy to have commanded both a frontline warship and an SSN.
His expertise extends to various staff assignments, serving as Commander Submarines at COMCOS (W), CSO to FOSM, Principal Director Ship Systems and Development at PDSSD, and Commanding Officer of Submarine Training establishment, INSSatavahana. The Admiral is a graduate of DSSC at Wellington, College of Naval Warfare at Karanja, where he was honored with the CinC’s Silver Medal, and SDMC at CDM Secunderabad.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas possesses extensive operational experience, having been part of Op Pawan, Op Vijay, and Op Parakram, showcasing remarkable expertise in nuclear safety. His tenure as a Flag Officer includes roles as FOSM, FOMA, Project Director (Operations & Training) at HQATVP, and Inspector General Nuclear Safety (IGNS) before assuming his current post as FOCINC on December 31, 2023. He has been awarded the Nau Sena Medal in 2009 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021, recognizing his commendable service and contributions to the Indian Navy.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas’s assumption of command at the Southern Naval Command heralds a new chapter, where his wealth of experience and strategic leadership will continue to contribute to the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and national security.